Full Careers - Starting a new career at age 34...this is so hard. Please help!?

Starting a new career at age 34...this is so hard. Please help!?

I have been a professional Singer/musician all of my life. Now, at the age of 34, I am attempting to make a career change mostly because I need the stability, as well as the long term security and health benefits that being a musician has never provided me with. I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent person, however, I never graduated from college...High school degree apparently isn't cutting it for any kind of job with decent pay and benefits. Do I really have to start at the bottom ...somewhere like a retail position at the mall or a fast food restaurant at my age? I've tried waiting tables already and I was terrible at it. Stay in school people or this could happen to you! I have basic office skills...type 40 wpm, which I know is quite slow to be considered for a data entry or secretary position...right? I tried for a bookkeeping position but I am such a bad test taker (anxiety takes over) that I did poorly on the math assessment portion. What else can I do? HELP!

Public Comments

I don't think 40wpm is slow, and just a quick note; don't work at wal-mart if you want health benifets of any kind. Just a thought.
Look into medical positions. I came into college with no real work experience, and landed two jobs, one as a medical assistant in a small doctor's office, and another with the local hospital, where they trained me as a phlebotomist. Also, medical jobs generally pay better than low-level retail positions. If you can handle the insanity, it's a great option---good jobs for adrenaline junkies. I've got a "normal" desk job now, and I definitely miss it.
OK we need to come up with something for you today. I have been in sales all of my life. First I worked for Sara Lee then I retired from them and I am now with a company that sales plants and containers to local businesses. Sales is were the money is plus you get all the bennies. You sound like you have a good personality and that is what it is all about believe in yourself and start looking. If you work hard you should be making around $70.000-$125.000 within a year. Good luck. check out yellow book I know they are always looking for good people and my girlfriend works there and she does great and I taught her how to sell. Within a year she was making big bucks and you can too.
I think that it is never too late to learn something new, so keep on trying...If you feel up to it, try taking some courses, perhaps something you are good at, or interested in...Be the the best of whatever you are, we can't all be captains, we've got to be crew...There is something for all of us here, it isn't the size that we win or we fail, be the best of whatever you are...
A friend of mine was in a similar situation at age 33 and she decided to attend college and get a degree. It was very hard for her, but because of her maturity and work ethic, she graduated in four years with honors. The problem is, the world works the way the world works, and whether you're 18 or 38, everyone has to pay the same dues. And the dues are hard, especially if you don't have a partner or a parent to help you meet expenses. I knew a woman who put herself through an accounting degree in 6 years working and studying part time. It was arduous. The good news, if you have what it takes, it's actually possible to do, and you can end up doing useful, meaningful work at a fine salary with great benefits.
If you really put your effort towards it, you can pick up an AA degree in about a year's time. Make sure it's an accredited degree of course. But your still young and you say your intelligent so just try being ambitious and show other's how willful you are at progressing. I mean even asking a sucessful business person how they got where they were and explain to them your situation. It doesn't hurt to ask a question, which I see you are doing now :), so this is just what I think and if I were you; I'd personally ask a close friend or relative in person. Hmm but you know what I really think? Not EVERYONE with degrees are totally satisfied. It seems like a majority of people that have it made just seemed to be at the right place at the right time, meaning it's just about "who you know"!
You're never too old to start a new career if you are willing to work hard and get training. What type of industry interests you? With the basic office skills you could get an entry level job (secretarial/receptionist) into a company and work your way up the ladder. It's been done before and I'm sure you can do it. You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders! One more thing, don't get discouraged if you get turned down for some jobs at first. Just keep going! Also, try taking a basic math class at a community college to build your confidence with numbers. Good luck!!!
Work from your strengths and not your weaknesses (hence the anxiety you mention)... you are an entertainer, albeit it did not provide you the type of benefits such as health insurance, etc. it did give you comfort with working in the public. Consider working with a raido or television station. There are various positions for "on air talent"... or better yet... selling air time. These positions most often are full time hires and provide some benefits and best of all - they ususally involve commissioned sales... always good if you are a go getter, work well independently, and are generally likable to your clients. By the way... as important as college degrees are... they are not the end all. Many of us "HS Grads" have done well for ourselves and equally many people with college degrees have been unable to find employment suitable to compensating for their education. Find how many bartenders, wait staff and even homeless people have college degress. It's tough and competitive all around. Self education is good and your career in entertainment has certainly provided you something you can transition into gainful employment. You have a challenge but it can be overcome with confidence. Confidence comes with being knowledgeable and comfortable with what you know as skills. I wish you well...
I was much younger than 34 when I was in your position and I parlayed a 'temp' job into a career. At first I only got gopher -type office jobs because of my skills level, but I always maintained a terrific attitude no matter how lowly the job. And the longer I worked, the more skills I acquired. The temp agency I worked for also had training modules you could complete at your leisure and anytime I had an assignment that wasn't a full week, I used the off days to cram in as many modules as I could. I was never sent on a single assignment that I wasn't offered a permanent position but I kept right on temping until something really promising was offered to me. From there, I never looked back. I'm making over $50,000 a year now as a research administrator and still only have a couple of years college under my belt. I learned after a while that what I could list on my resume as 'experience' was more important than an actual degree. My last promotion, in fact, my boss was surprised to learn I don't have one. He assumed that I did. I would expect most of the people around here (work) would be surprised to find out I don't. Therefore, if you are in a metropolitan area where temporary agencies abound, give it a try and maybe it will work for you. If you are not, check with your local employment commission to see what training is available that you could do at night to upgrade your skills set. If training is available for any medical professions, you can't go wrong in even the technical positions relating to medicine. Sometimes those programs can be completed in under two years (phlebotomy, for example). And in areas with severe nursing shortages, you can often have part or all of your education paid for you. For the next 30 years there will continue to be a huge demand for any job even peripherally related to the field of medicine because of the 'baby boomers.' That's a pretty large segment of society whose health is going to steadily decline for at least three decades!
There is no late for starting something in this life. Better late than never. :)
I hope this doesn't sound over the top, because I'm not sure how you could follow up on it. Yet, as a professional singer/ musician, you're obviously creative--artistic. "Creative" people, it seems, rarely have the luxury of heath benefits & security. Is there any way you could get involved in this sort of field, as an EMPLOYEE, contribute you experience, consult or whatever? You don't "seem" at all suited for the jobs you've tried. Of course college appears a good option, but how would you manage it? I turned 34 the 1st of the year, & my "careers" have been so diversified I've been able to pick & choose. The only two that required further education were psychology & my part time paralegal "job." If I were you, (& of course I am not!) I'd try to stay, in whatever way possible, the field in which you've had most expereince. Even if that means "starting at the bottom." I have a friend who was a dancer/peformer & traveled all over the world. But she put on weight! That's a no-no. She then planned all sorts of perfomances etc. for other groups, & this was lucrative enough that she didn't need EMPLOYER health benefts. You're right as far as "intelligence" not being enough, but only in certain areas. You may have to make a compromise for NOW, but who knows where it might lead? Best of luck to you....
Hi - yes, it is tough to start over at 34, but not as tough as it would be at 64. What about using the skills you have to transition into something new? Singers and musicians have booking agents, contract agents, reps, etc. who work in offices, or need personal assistants, or so on. You must have a few contacts from your years in the business. Start asking around - who knows who, who might need someone with your skills, etc. Some of those jobs do offer health benefits, or you may qualify for a plan for the self-employed. Speaking of skills, although it's true that the lack of a degree limits your potential in some areas, there must be other attributes you possess besides an ear for music and the ability to type. What about being organized? Speaking another language, even a little bit? Using a computer (obviously?) You might consider visiting your local library and borrowing the book, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" which is the classic guide for career changers. the skills you have and the things you enjoy doing will lead you in the right direction if you network, network, network. Let everyone you know know that you're looking for work. Ask who they might know that could be helpful to you. Visit career sites on the web. Talk to your high school reunion committee and ask if there's an alumni directory you can use for networking. Ask people at church, temple, the dry cleaners, the coffee shop.....you get the idea. Best of luck.
I would recommend going back to school and learning a skill. Check out your local community college - they have short programs that you can finish in a year or two. The health field is a great field to get into. It pays well, you will have no trouble finding a job and the benefits are good. Here you can become an LPN in a year. You can work in a hospital, nursing home, home health care - you can even pick your own shift. How about Real Estate school? You can become a Real Estate agent and sell homes. Cosmetology might interest you. I have seen many people go back to school and get their certificate in this field. I have a friend that just finished school in Esthetics. I heard Massage Therapists make good money too. Years ago I used to clean houses for people. I made $10.00 an hour back then and that was about 10 years ago. In a job like this you can work the hours you want to and work as little or as much as you would like. Business offices need to be cleaned too. If you like clerical work, try getting a job at a doctors office as a receptionist. You can answer the phone, make appointments and do filing. Or try your local hospital. They hire clerical workers to do filing and general office duties also. You just need to think about what it is you would like to do and go for it! Good luck!
There are a lot of people in real estate sales that never went to college. About 20% of people who train to become a real estate agent actually make it in the field. You would have to figure out what it takes to be one in five. There is good money in it. And it gives you a lead on real estate investments for yourself. Many people are worth 1 million within five to twenty years. I read through the advice of the other posters and much of it is good. Medical will be very stable. There are many jobs in the medical field that require minimal training. Always ask a few people in the field about the reputation of the program you plan to enter. I would most definitely go to college simply to enlarge your opportunities. I took one course per semester. You might want to consider getting a two-year degree and then going for a four-year degree. In this way, if you get tired of studying after doing two years of school, you will at least have one degree. I think there are more companies that use the lack of a degree as a reason to keep good people down than there are companies that are willing to promote non-degreed people into jobs generally requiring a degree. Another idea is to start your own business as no one can require you to have a college degree. While I do have a few college degrees, many people who own competing businesses do not and they must make six figures per year.
Best place to start is a temp agency. I don't know where you live, but there are a lot in my area. The biggest one is Manpower. Each branch specializes in different fields. One branch will staff corporate offices while another handles labor (construction-type work). Just figure out what you want to do. They'll test your current skills and find a job FOR YOU. These are temp-to-hire or contract jobs. It helps get your foot in the door to a place where opportunity is endless. You don't have to take a job at the mall or fast food. I personally never liked the service industry. I felt my skills were not being utilized and I could do 10 times better. I had a fast food job for only 2 weeks before I quit. Why? Someone told me they've been employed there for 3+ years. I didn't want to start that path. Even as a file clerk, it will still provide opportunities. Just look around. Manpower has a website. They're also classified as temp agencies or staffing agencies.
i think you can start travelling oversea,for example to china.you will be an english teacher,i will help you got it. and you will not only get your right wage but also enjoy the scenery. remember email:chinaaone yahoo com or aone email com , keep in touch
I recommend you to earn the some business degree first. the conceptual, interpersonal, and negotiation skills are a must if you really want to work at front-line level. Sorry if i am too offended, but at your ages, you must have a significant skills to be outstanding among other people in order to get a job. If you actually want to get routine work, you must reconsider carefully because it also has trade-off. you life might be secured but the growth is less or zero. But, if you believe in your music skill. You should try to earn degree in music field and make money from it. may GOD bless..
Hi Problemchild, If this is really what you want, then I suggest you go back to college, you are not "old".... you have options, and doors will open for you, once you got your degree :) >>>>>>>> Follow your heart, and think : this is what "I" want, to do... "I" will succeed, no matter what.... because I want to :) >>>>>>> Believe in your talent/intelligence/... and most of all : "YOUR" future.... >>>>> You will see, later on you will get "rewarded", for the choices that you make today.... >>>>> I know, this sounds hard to do, at this time.... But, think about, what you will receive in return..... later on.... You will look back, and laugh..... because you get rewarded for your efforts... Trust me on this one, girl.... I honestly wish you : the best of luck... Be yourself, and you can do "anything" you want, in life...if you put your mind to it..................... "Believe in YOU"..... >>>>>>>> Thanks, for the question! :) My regards! Go for it....... You have my support! Take care!